Following King County and State of Washington Covid-19 guidance for small events, we have postponed our French wine tasting which was scheduled for tomorrow, March 14. As soon as conditions allow us to hold wine tasting and other events, we will definitely publish the new date. That will be a happy day! Watch our future newsletters for information and please stay healthy.
Our shop will remain open and continue our regular hours. We’re here to supply specialty ingredients for delicious meals – eating great food supports health! If you are working from home, think about slow braising a stew, lentil soup, or cassoulet. We’ve got all of the basic ingredients in stock. Check our freezer and cold case for sausages and meats that you won’t find elsewhere. Most of these can be grilled to make a quick meal, served with pasta or rice. And don’t forget wine… times like these call for a restorative glass of vin. If you prefer to shop from home, use our online ordering menu (click Order & Pick Up to place an order to pick up.) Or ask us to ship it! We use the U.S. postal service and UPS but can’t ship wine. You may call us with your requests or include shipping information in your order. We’re here to help!
NEW! Patagonia tinned Mackerel – The outdoor clothing company has always been a leader in protecting the environment. They’ve now broadened their scope to include the food industry, with an aim to offer foods that address environmental issues, using chefs to develop recipes using local producers. All of the mackerel and mussels come from Spain and are made with delicious recipes including lemon caper mackerel, roasted garlic mackerel and my favorite, Spanish paprika mackerel. The mackerel is tender, juicy and ready to eat!
Conservas de Cambados Small Scallops are back in stock. These sweet little scallops from Galicia in northwestern Spain are in a sauce of tomato, sunflower oil and paprika. Toss them with pasta and serve with a glass of Albariño, and it will feel like you’re in Galicia.
TASTY WINES FOR UNSETTLED TIMES:
Domaine Adèle Rouzé Quincy, Loire Valley 2018 ($24.99) 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on the sandy and gravel banks of the Cher River. The grapes are fermented with native yeast and aged on the lees to develop great mouthfeel and richness. Adèle Rouzé is the daughter of Jacques Rouzé, a well-respected vigneron who is also the president of the Quincy wine brotherhood. After completing winemaking studies in Bordeaux, Adèle returned home with the idea of making her own cuvée. Jacques allowed her 4.6 hectares of some old-vine parcels, planted between 1920 and 1950 all of which face either south or southeast. The 2018 Quincy is intensely aromatic with just an edge of grapefruit notes. Bright and floral, it offers weight, richness and refreshment on the palate. The finish is dry and vibrant with lingering notes of quince. This is really enjoyable. Adèle makes just 35,000 bottles of this single wine per year.
Topo Tinto Red Blend, Lisboa 2018 ($9.99) Casa Santos Lima makes a wide range of every day, affordable wines. We tasted Topo this week and all agreed it over delivers for the price! A blend of Portuguese indigenous varietals aged for a few months in neutral oak, it offers up aromas of ripe red fruit. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with spice notes and earthiness, it pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Bright and medium-bodied, this affordable red offers up a lot of enjoyment for the price!
Chateau Grand Français Grande Cuvée, Bordeaux Superieur 2016 ($25.99) 60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for 10 months. Offers beautiful aromas of ripe red fruit and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, the bright fruit flavors have underlying savory notes and a touch of white pepper. Medium to full-bodied, Grande Cuvée is a structured red with some grip, and offers nuanced complexity for a modest price. This is a very food-friendly wine. MADE WITH ORGANIC GRAPES